For Lucy

by Jewel E. Ann

It only takes one good reason to keep going. To live. To feel necessary.

It’s never been my hands keeping her hostage. I’ve always loved her with open arms. My love has never been forced. It’s always been free.

“I think when we sleep, our minds try to fill in the holes. The emotional wounds. And for a split second when we wake, everything doesn’t hurt. For a few breaths, things feel right and normal. Then we blink and it all shatters like illusions do. Everything starts to hurt again.”